Over the past five years, John Carroll University has undergone transformational growth fueled by a $100 million Inspired Futures strategy, an investment that strengthened campus life and enhanced the student experience. These updates included renovated residence halls, the opening of a 125,000-square-foot Athletic, Wellness & Event (AWE) Center, and the advancement of the forthcoming Gateway North project, which will bring new retail, dining, and independent living options for upperclass students by 2027.
Now, the university is building on that success with the next chapter of its transformation, one focused on personal development, purposeful learning, and individualized support.
Beginning in the fall of 2026, John Carroll will launch a new student success platform called Onward, a curated experience that will support every student’s journey from their first day on campus through commencement and beyond.
Onward serves as John Carroll’s distinctive promise to every student: throughout their JCU journey, students will be accompanied by a coordinated team of mentors and advisors, receive support designing their college plan and discerning their calling, make an impact on campus and in the broader community, and be launched into their careers while joining one of this country’s most connected and supportive alumni networks.
Built around four core points, Onward promises to benefit all students in the following ways:
- Your Onward Team will accompany you to success.
- Your Onward Plan, designed by you, will guide your discernment through reflection and action.
- Your Onward Experience, in class, on campus, & beyond, will help you pinpoint your purpose.
- Your Onward Launch ignites your future, including your career and your contributions to the greater good.
A Platform Rooted in JCU Tradition
Drawing its name from a line in the university’s fight song, “Onward On,” the new platform carries forward a tradition that has united Blue Streaks for generations and reflects JCU’s longstanding commitment to cura personalis in a new, distinctive way.
The platform’s visual identity draws from architecture at the heart of John Carroll’s campus. The four-pointed star that crowns the iconic bell tower of Saint Ignatius Hall, the highest point on campus, serves as a symbol of aspiration, guiding students forward like a north star as they pursue the best versions of themselves.
“Intellectual inquiry, professional development, and experiential learning have long been cornerstones of the academic experience at John Carroll. Our goal with Onward is to elevate this student experience, lean into our Jesuit values of accompaniment and discernment, and ensure that every John Carroll student graduates prepared to pursue their purpose.”
Built with Students, For Students
The idea for Onward grew out of a multi-year research effort shaped by the voices of current John Carroll students, faculty, and staff, as well as high school students and counselors. Their insights helped define what matters most in a college experience today and guided the university’s commitment to creating a truly compelling 21st-century education.
Over the past year, high school students and counselors from across the country participated in surveys, focus groups, and listening sessions to help shape the platform. Their feedback underscored what students want most from college today: the ability to connect intellectual passions to professional preparation in high-demand fields, coordinated mentorship, the chance to make a real impact for the greater good, support in discerning career fit and purpose, and a seamless path from college to career.
With Onward, JCU aims to meet those needs head-on while remaining true to its Jesuit values. The program will help students articulate who they are, where they want to go, and how to make intentional decisions along the way. The university also plans to create new digital tools to help students stay organized and confident.
“Onward is a new signature platform few universities can match, where innovative teaching, mentoring, and meaningful experiences—on campus, in Cleveland, and beyond—will help students connect their passion, purpose, and career. We’re ready to take this next step—what we expect will add cohesion and even greater intentionality to the student experience—because of who we are, what we value, and what we’ve already invested in.”
For current students like Quincy Unger ’26, the spirit of Onward already reflects what makes JCU unique.
“Many people say that you leave your family when you go off to college, yet coming to JCU means joining another. The faculty, staff, and students here embody the true meaning of support, celebration, and constructive criticism. The term remarkable may be uncommon at other universities, but not here. You see just how remarkable our students, professors, and entire community are the moment you step foot on campus. That is what makes the JCU experience truly one-of-a-kind. No matter who you are or what background you come from, you become part of a family that is committed to helping you succeed.”
More details about Onward will be shared throughout the coming year. To explore the vision behind the program, visit the Onward website.
